A request to turn a landmark purple in honour of the 100-year anniversary of some women getting the vote has been turned down - in case it gives Ukip an unfair advantage.

Medway council had been asked to illuminate Rochester Castle in the official colour of the suffragettes to mark the centenary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918.

But the authority said it could be seen as promoting Ukip ahead of the upcoming Rochester West by-election.

Natalie Poulton, who lives on the Esplanade in Rochester, said: “As an assistant coordinator for Medway Women Against State Pension Equality I asked the Guildhall museum if we could help to mark the day. But they didn’t have anything planned.

“I was coming past the castle last Tuesday and saw it lit up in purple and thought that’s it! It’s a low cost option to celebrate the day.

“I spoke to a lady at the museum who said ‘I’m sorry but it’s only for council related events and activities’ so I went to the council to ask.

“They claimed it would look like they were giving Ukip an advantage ahead of the by-election.

“I thought it was incredible and so sad. The council is missing the opportunity to celebrate something, at low cost, that stands for equality and democracy.

“It’s not like the Battle of Medway which cost a fortune.Mrs Poulton, who works as a finance director in London, noticed the castle had turned red over the weekend.

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In a complaint sent to chief executive Neil Davies, Mrs Poulton said: “May I suggest the lights are fully turned off until after the polling booths have closed on Thursday, March 8 so that NO political party can be seen as being favoured.”

Perry Holmes, Chief Legal Officer at Medway Council, said: “As the upcoming by-election is in the same ward as Rochester Castle, it would not be appropriate to light up the castle the same colour as one specific political party during the purdah period, when colours take on a particular significance.

"The council has to be especially vigilant not to do anything which could be seen to have an effect on the outcome of an election.

“We recognise this is a significant year, marking 100 years since women were given the right to vote and we would encourage everyone to ensure they have registered to vote.”

The council have confirmed the lights will now stay off until after the by-election.